Bungee Tube

ABSTRACT

A device for storing bungee cords comprising: a tube; the tube comprising notches cut into each end along with slots cut into its length. The notches and slots providing connection points for bungee cords to the tube.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A device for storing bungee cords comprising: a tube; the tube comprising notches cut into each end along with slots cut into its length. The notches and slots providing connection points for bungee cords to the tube.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,195 relates to a transverse pin passing through an end loop in a folded, multi-core or single core, flat bungee cord to anchor the bungee cord within a molded base. The pin extends past the end loop of the bungee cord so as to restrain longitudinal movement thereof. The pin and end loop are molded into the base. The pin may comprise a transverse portion of a wire forming a hook.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,575,224 relates to a retractable bungee cord tie down having a housing enclosing a ratcheting mechanism and a bungee cord. The bungee cord is wrapped around a spool having a biasing member operatively coupled thereto to permit automatic retraction of the bungee cord into the housing. Operatively coupled to the spool is a control arm that is used to engage and disengage spool movement and thus movement of the bungee cord into or out of the housing. A button connected to the control arm permits a user to secure items by securing the bungee cord first and then operating or moving the housing to another secure location.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,070 relates to a transverse pin pierces the core of a round or flat bungee cord to anchor the bungee cord within a molded base. A single wire sharply folded near its center into a double strand is bent in a semi-circle to form a hook. Bent ends of the double strand are molded into the base.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,360,284 relates to a bungee cord system, including, a bungee cord assembly, engaging locks, and universal anchors to safely secure, store, transport, and/or stack packages, containers and the like to surfaces. The bungee cord assembly includes an elasticized cord with first and second ends. An engaging lock assembly is fixed upon each of said first and second ends. The universal anchor includes at least one elongated member having anchor means that removably attach to the bungee cord assembly and/or the engaging lock assembly and/or a solid structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,219,398 relates to a terminus for a bungee cord comprises a molded base having a flexible loop anchored by a compression sleeve secured to one end; a free end of the loop has an enlargement which fits through a hole into an enlarged portion of a slot, thereby to retain the free end of the loop when the loop is under tension. The loop may be plastic coated aircraft cable. One embodiment includes a cleat to permit adjusting the position of the terminus on the bungee cord, but the bungee cord may be fixed to the terminus if desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,707 relates to a cord retaining device consisting of a T-shaped housing with three legs. Through holes extend through each leg with two of the holes in two legs being aligned with each other. The third or other leg's through hole intersects with the two aligned holes. At the third leg there are two opposite cord retaining grooves that open upwardly and taper downwardly. A bottom slot extends along the length of the two aligned legs and has an enlarged mid portion. By placing a cord having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the two aligned housing through holes, such as a bungee cord, through the bottom slot and pulling a mid portion of the cord into the third leg, a loop may be formed by the pulled portion. Lower portions of this formed loop may be inserted into the cord retaining grooves to fix the cord therein. A second bungee cord may also be used with the first bungee cord and housing. In this case, two opposite sides fixed to formed opened spaces in the housing are used to hold the second bungee cord and restrain the movement of the housing with respect to a first bungee cord on which the housing is mounted.

US patent publication no. 2006/0085956 relates to a bungee cord length adjustment device comprising a housing which may be moved along a bungee cord to a selected position and releasably locked by a manual quarter rotation of a screw. A compression plate disposed between the lower end of the screw and the bungee cord permits dispersion of the frictional force about a relatively large surface area, reducing the potential for wear on the bungee cord. The bungee cord adjustor permits adjustment of the working length of a bungee cord, reducing the need for use of multiple bungee cords of differing lengths for the securing of goods of varying dimensions.

US patent publication no. 20070067968 relates to a bungee cord fastener including a hook portion and a receptacle formed in the hook portion for receiving a mating portion of another bungee cord fastener therein. The receptacle is configured for providing a frictional fit of the mating portion within the receptacle sufficient to allow sliding insertion of the mating portion into the receptacle and sliding removal of the mating portion from the receptacle while limiting inadvertent slipping of the mating portion out of the receptacle.

The present invention solves the problem related to the organization and storage of bungee cords. By their nature bungee cords easily become entangled with each other and various aspects of their surroundings. This has a direct impact on their usability. At the same time, bungee cords are widely used by many people and businesses to secure all manner of objects. These facts act together to create an opportunity for a product to organize bungee cords when not in use, to facilitate their storage and to keep them ready and available.

Individuals routinely use bungee cords as a utility product around the home, securing items such as: bicycles, camping gear, sports equipment, tools, outdoor furniture and many other items. Many businesses use bungee cords and a typical example is a tradesman. A routine part of a tradesman's activities involves transporting materials and tools from their place of business (or home) to a work site. Bungee cords are frequently used to secure these items during the transportation and once on site they are removed so that the items may be used. In both of these cases the device of the present invention is an ideal solution for keeping the cords organized, secure and untangled—ready for use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a base product that is produced via plastic injection molding. An alternate method of production is to use extruded plastic pipe of the proper diameter and to then cut or machine the necessary holes, notches and slots into it. The base product is then enhanced by attaching various bungee cords to it according to product specifications.

The present invention further relates to the base product further comprising a number of various size bungee cords.

Bungee cords, strong elastic cords equipped on both ends with hooks, are used by businesses and individuals to secure a wide range of items. Available in many different lengths and strengths, bungee cords have become ubiquitous in garages, basements, workshops and car trunks across the country. Users of bungee cords, however, face a challenge that diminishes the usefulness of the product, which is, keeping them organized and ready for use.

Due to their nature bungee cords tend to become tangled with each other and just about everything around them.

The present invention relates to a product which provides a secure, simple to use storage area for bungee cords of various lengths. The present invention comprises a plastic tube with notches cut into each end along with slots cut into its length. The notches and slots provide connection points for the bungee cords to the tube. They are aligned to keep the bungee cords organized and separated from each other, thereby preventing them from becoming entangled.

Attaching a bungee cord to the base is accomplished in several ways. Typically the hook on one end of the cord is slipped over a notch on one end of the tube. The other end is hooked to the corresponding notch on the other end of the tube, or, for shorter cords, to one of the slots cut along its length. For long cords, one end is hooked to an end notch; however the cord is passed through the center of the base, bent over the corresponding notch and the opposing hook attached at one of the slots cut along the length of the tube.

Attaching and removing cords from the base is simple. The arrangement of the notches and slots on the tube allows users to add or remove cords as well as to see the number and type of cords available for use.

It is an object of the present invention to make the device in multiple sizes. It is an object of the present invention to make the device in a regular or a compact version. It is an object of the present invention to provide the device either separately or with bungee cords already attached. It is an object of the present invention to have the device for the base to have at least 12 bungee cords attached. It is an object of the present invention for the bungee cords to have sizes of 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″ and 40″. It is an object of the present invention for the base to comprise a tube of rigid plastic.

It is an object of the present invention where, in one embodiment, the tube may be but is not limited to having a length of approximately 30″ and a diameter of approximately 3 inches. It is an object of the present invention for the tube to comprise but not limited to 12 evenly spaced approximately ½″ diameter notches cut into each end and approximately 2″×½″ slots cut along its length. It is an object of the present invention for the notches and slots to be aligned so that the various sized bungee cords are attached with great flexibility.

It is an object of the present invention for the slots to be set along the length of the tube and arranged to maximize the number of different size bungee cords that are stored without over stretching them. It is important to note that storing bungee cords in their stretched position could diminish the life of the cord.

Conversely, effective storage requires that the bungee cords be stretched enough to remain securely attached to the device. By offering a broad range of connection points along its length the device of the present invention maximizes bungee storage while minimizing any ill effects the storage may have on the bungee cord.

It is an object of the present invention of the tube to having a length which may be greater or less than, but is not limited to approximately 15″ with a diameter of approximately 3″. The slots along the length and end notches remain at a width/diameter of approximately W. When equipped with bungee cords, it is an object of the present invention to have 12 bungee cords. It is an object of the present invention for the sizes of the bungee cords to be less than, equal to, or greater than approximately 10″, 13″, 18″ and 24″.

In addition to the slots and notches described above, it is an object of the present invention for the device to have a ¾″ hole on one end which allows the tube to be hung on a hook or nail for easy out of the way storage.

It is an object of the present invention of the tube wall to be approximately is 1/16″ thick providing strength while maintaining a light weight. It is an object of the present invention for the device to be highly portable and durable enough to withstand sunlight, water, cold and heat. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the tube allow it to withstand substantial abuse without breaking. It is expected that the users of this tube will frequently knock into it, hit other items into it, drop it, throw it, etc.

Max Min Temperature 120 F. dependent upon exact Range material and process Tensile Strength Medium Compressive High Strength Brittleness Low

It is an object of the present invention for the device to be made from virgin or recycled plastic and the color may depend on the material used

It is an object of the present invention for the device to come in varying lengths. It is an object of the present invention of the device to have a different number and arrangement of the slots cut along the length of the tube.

The design of the present invention provides for great flexibility in connecting bungee cords, thus providing a wide variety of cord lengths to be stored.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated.

Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a cross section of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 4 is an offset view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 7 is an offset view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 9 is an offset view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 10 is an offset view of an embodiment of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the device 10. Device 10 is a tube having slots 20. The device 10 has a diameter 30. The device 10 in a preferred embodiment has a length 50 which is approximately 30″. The slots 20 have a length 60 which is approximately 2.0″. The distance between slots 70 is approximately 0.25″. In a preferred embodiment the diameter 30 is approximately 3″ with a wall thickness of approximately 1/16 of an inch.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the device 110. Device 110 is a tube having slots 120. The device 110 has a diameter 130. The device 110 in a preferred embodiment has a length 150 which is approximately 15″. The slots 120 have a length 160 which is approximately 1.75″. The distance between slots 170 is approximately 0.25″. In a preferred embodiment the diameter 130 is approximately 3″ with a wall thickness of approximately 1/16 of an inch.

FIG. 3 is a side view of device 10.

FIG. 4 is an offset view of device 10.

FIG. 5 is a side view device 10 having bungee cords 80.

FIG. 6 is a side view of device 110.

FIG. 7 is an offset view of the device 110.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the device. 110 having bungee cords 180

FIG. 9 is an offset view the device 10 having bungee cords 80.

FIG. 10 is an offset view of the device 10 having bungee cords 180.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled. 

1. A device for storing bungee cords comprising: a tube; said tube comprising notches cut into each end along with slots cut into its length; said notches and slots providing connection points for bungee cords to the tube.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said tube is produced via plastic injection molding or by using extruded plastic pipe which is cut or machined to include holes, notches or slots.
 3. The device of claim 1 further comprising various bungee cords attached to said tube.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said bungee cord comprises strong elastic cords equipped on both ends with hooks.
 5. The device of claim 3 wherein said bungee cords have different lengths and strengths.
 6. The device of claim 3 wherein said device prevents said bungee cords from becoming tangled with each other and everything around them.
 7. The device of claim 4 wherein said hook on one end of said cord is slipped over said notch on one end of said tube; other end of said cord is hooked to corresponding notch on the other end of said tube, or, for shorter cords, to one of slots cut along its length.
 8. The device of claim 4 wherein one end of said cord is hooked to an end notch; and said cord is passed through the center of said tube, bent over corresponding notch and opposing hook attached at one of slots cut along length of the tube.
 9. The device of claim 4 wherein arrangement of notches and slots on said tube allows users to add or remove cords as well as to see number and type of cords available for use.
 10. The device of claim 3 wherein said bungee cords have sizes of at least but not limited to 18″, 24″, 30″, 36″ and 40″.
 11. The device of claim 1 wherein said tube comprises rigid plastic.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein said tube is between approximately 15″ and 30″ long and approximately 3″ in diameter.
 13. The device of claim 1 wherein said notches are evenly spaced apart.
 14. The device of claim 1 wherein said notches and slots are aligned so that the various sized bungee cords are attached with great flexibility.
 15. The device of claim 1 wherein said tube comprises virgin or recycled material which includes plastic.
 16. The device of claim 1 wherein said device has a temperature range of between 120 F to −20 F
 17. The device of claim 1 wherein said tensile strength is medium, compressive strength is high and brittleness is low.
 18. The device of claim 1 further comprising a hole for the tube to be hung on a hook or nail.
 19. The device of claim 1 wherein said device stretches said bungee cords being enough to remain securely attached to said device.
 20. The device of claim 1 wherein said tube comprises a wall which is approximately 1/16″ thick. 